Review on Existing Dilemma of the Impact of Eucalyptus Species on Crop Yield and Soil Nutrients in Ethiopia

Abstract

Eucalyptus is an ever green fast-growing tree species which is introduced in Ethiopia during the regime of Emperor Menelik II to solve the scarcity of wood products especially for fuel wood and construction materials. Eucalyptus is widely planted in Ethiopia due to the economic benefit and special nature of the species such as, it needs minimum care, fast growing, good for fuel and construction material and easily propagation. However, there is dilemma the impact of Eucalyptus on crop yield and soil nutrients. Therefore, this review focused on the influence of eucalyptus species on crop productivity and soil nutrients. Several studies reported that planting of Eucalyptus species nearby or alongside of crop growing areas reduces the productivity of crops by up taking more nutrients and water as compared to neighbouring species whereas, another studies reported that higher crop yield and soil nutrients were obtained from crops growing in the clear-felling eucalyptus stands as compared to continuous cultivated crop lands. In conclusion, Eucalyptus has a negative and positive influence on soil nutrients and crop yield depends on the management planning and tending operation of the species. Therefore, to reduce the adverse effect of eucalyptus giving more attention on its management is very vital.

Keywords: wood products, fast growing, economic benefit, fuel wood

DOI: 10.7176/JBAH/11-7-01

Publication date: April 30^th 2021